The legal concept you're referring to is indeed Parens Patriae.
Definition:
Parens Patriae is a Latin phrase meaning "parent of the country." It's a doctrine that recognizes the state's responsibility to protect and care for its citizens, particularly vulnerable populations like children.
Application:
In the context of juvenile justice, Parens Patriae holds that:
Juvenile offenders should be treated differently from adult offenders due to their age and developmental stage.
The state has a paternal interest in rehabilitating and guiding minors, rather than simply punishing them.
Juvenile courts should focus on the best interests of the child, prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
This concept acknowledges that children and adolescents have unique needs and capacities, and that the justice system should respond accordingly.